Influenza has made its arrival in Spain and “accelerated” its transmission in the north of the country, crossing the epidemic threshold in many autonomous communities in this region between four and seven weeks earlier than expected according to its historical series. In this sense, The main preventive measure is vaccinationAlthough it must be accompanied by other measures such as hand washing, proper ventilation and the use of masks in certain places.
Specifically, Asturias, the Basque Country, Cantabria, Castile and León, Catalonia, Galicia, Navarra and La Rioja have recorded a number of influenza cases. Above the epidemic threshold Between weeks 42 and 45, it was identified as 59.64 cases per 100,000 population. In the case of Aragon, this epidemic situation was reached in week 47, that is, from 17 to 23 November.
The Director General of Public Health of the Aragon Government said that the high rate of transmission was observed mainly among children and adolescents, although increases were beginning to occur in other age groups, and for this reason “the main preventive measure, without a doubt, is vaccination.” Noria JianIn statements to Europe Press.
In addition, it has been advised to properly ventilate indoor spaces, use a mask in closed spaces where crowds occur, especially in health or social health centers and among those designated to care for vulnerable people, and be very careful about hand hygiene, in view of this. “Many infections” They are produced in this way and “it is not always due to inhalation of the droplets.”
Regarding influenza, Gayan stressed the importance of vaccination, warning that “we have little respect for the possible consequences of suffering from influenza,” and beyond the symptoms of the virus itself, “which can lead us to be hospitalized, there are scientific studies that support that after infection with influenza, the number of cases of myocardial infarction increases significantly and And other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents.
“Everything is interconnected and you get the flu It can leave us in dire circumstances We are looking forward to the coming weeks, warned the Director General of Public Health of the Aragon Government.
Influenza moves from west to east
As Nuria Gayan explained, “Influenza moved, in general, over several seasons, from west to east. It began in Galicia and the subsequent epidemic curve ended in the Balearic Islands.” However, “this has been the year Very fast behaviour He also commented in the northern region.
Among the reasons that led to the rise in influenza infection rates in November, although it is still being studied, the Director-General said Public Health of the Government of Aragonthere are some “common in Spain and Europe”.
Decreased circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), “which typically forms an epidemiological curve before influenza and there was none this year,” and Covid has seen the same behavior; All of this, in addition to low vaccination coverage and environmental factors, are possible causes. short, “When some viruses are less prevalent, that space is taken up by other viruses.”Jayan summed up.
Influenza progresses in Aragon
Aragon is one of the autonomous regions that declared an influenza epidemic, with the number of cases reaching 63.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This data is encouraged by the increase in the number of affected people in the province of Zaragoza, especially in the capital, until the number is reached 76.1 cases per 100 thousand people In the 47th week of the year, which prompted the Ministry of Health to declare risk level 2 in implementing the risk scenario protocol and recommendations in the aforementioned province.
For its part, the governorates Huesca and Teruel These cases are still far from crossing the epidemic threshold, at 28.9 and 30.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively, so that risk level 1 is maintained.
To stop the spread of this virus, Aragon is opening this weekend, on November 29 and 30, vaccination without an appointment to all citizens – included in the at-risk groups – who reside in the Autonomous Community. They should go to Our Lady of Grace Regional Hospital, From 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
“It is important that they go and get vaccinated,” Gayan encouraged, adding that vaccination without an appointment is “a measure that we try to help reconcile the family and the people who, in order to “They cannot go to their health center for work-related reasons.”
This year, the Aragon government acquired five different types of flu vaccines in total 419,000 dosesWhich cost approximately 3.8 million euros.
Risk level 2
Risk level 2, in which the province of Zaragoza falls, is determined Maximum recommendation for mask use By professionals who provide services in health centers, social health centers, and specialized social service centers, during any activity that requires direct attention to citizens, as a measure of self-protection and avoiding infection.
In addition, the management of these centers is permitted to make the use of masks mandatory for the above-mentioned professionals, when this is deemed necessary based on a risk assessment, specific action plan or emergency plan, if applicable. In fact, hospitals Dr. Lozano Plessa and Miguel Servet, In Zaragoza, they have already approved this measure as mandatory.
becomes “Highly recommended” The use of masks by the rest of the workers in these centers in practicing any other activity that does not involve direct concern for citizens and takes place in these centers as well as on patients and users.
Citizens’ use of a mask as a preventive measure when arriving at health, social and health service centers and specialized social service centers is considered “highly recommended”, as well as in indoor places with crowds of people. Please remember that using a mask is not recommended Under 6 years of age.
All this is contained in an order published in the Official Gazette of Aragon last Wednesday, November 26, issued by the Minister of Health, Jose Luis BancaleroRegarding the use of masks as a preventive measure against acute respiratory infections in Aragon.
To encourage its use as a preventive measure in the context of the epidemic, the Government of Aragon and Zaragoza City Council They have launched the process of distributing masks for free in social health centres, in the public transport network and at the entrances to main hospitals, also reaching users of municipal shelters, protection homes, shelters and coexistence centers for the elderly. In parallel, the remote care service will provide recommendations to users.
Vaccination campaign
Area Director of Nursing at the Aragon Health Service, Maria Teresa Clarice, He expressed that about 160,000 doses of the influenza vaccine have been given so far, and for those over the age of 80, “we have achieved the expected coverage – 61.67% – and the same as the previous year – 62%.”
As far as the children are concerned, the 35% environmental coverage is also ““Very appropriate” This is driven by expanding the vaccination age group to seven years and 364 days and moving to schools.
“The flu is not a cold, it can get worse and lead to hospitalization, in addition -Children- Act as transmitters“, Clarice highlighted.
The age group is between 60 to 80 years It lags behind the most with a coverage rate of 25.38%: “We have not reached the optimal levels to ensure individual and community protection.” Last year, a figure higher than 29% was achieved.